The microbial cell: structure and function; metabolism and growth. Microbial diversity: genetic and metabolic. The ecological role of microorganisms: interactions with the abiotic and biotic environment. Environmental microbiology: the study of natural microbial communities and environmental microbial-technology.
Knowing the structure of the microbial cell and its main physiological, metabolic and genetic functions. Knowing how to read microbial diversity on the basis of phenotypic, genetic and ecological traits. Understanding the ecological role of microorganisms. Understanding the possibility of using microbial diversity for application purposes, especially in the environmental field. Learning to manipulate microorganisms in the laboratory using the basic techniques of microbiology.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biochemistry, genetics and cell biology.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, seminars, laboratory activities.
Type of Assessment
Seminars prepared on the basis of scientific literature provided by the teacher.
Final oral exam.
Course program
History of Microbiology. Definition of microorganism. Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya, viruses. Evolution of microorganisms. Structure and function of microbial cell. Qualitative and quantitative features of the microbial growth. Environmental parameters influencing the microbial growth. Control of the microbial growth. Microbial metabolism and the role of microorganisms in the bio-geochemical cycles of elements. Production of antimicrobials and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance. Microbial genetics and mechanisms of exchange of genetic material between microorganisms. Identification and classification of microorganisms. Microbial diversity. Microorganisms and their habitat. Methods of analysis of microbial communities: sample collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis of community structure and diversity by conventional and molecular methods. Measurement of microbial activity in environmental samples. As the microorganisms communicate with each other. Symbiosis microbes-animals, microbes-plants and microorganisms-microorganisms. Role of microorganisms in food processing. Environmental microbiology: biotechnological applications of microorganisms in the environment.